As the days become a little colder, a warm lunch becomes very appealing. Recently Munch went on a field trip to something called "Earthkeepers" which is a program that teaches grade 5 students about the environment and the preservation of it. The program is typically three days long and is taught by trained high school students who are under the supervision of the program directors. I went along as a parent supervisor one of the days and had a good time watching the kids have fun learning - and took a few pictures.
They spend almost all of their time outside walking through a foresty area stopping at various learning areas along the way. The week that they went, the mornings had already become quite cold with frost on the ground. I thought that this was a good time to give a thermos of warm chili along. I planned ahead and made it for dinner the night before with enough for both our lunches the next day.
Seen here is her chili in a stainless steel thermos, some bread and butter (who doesn't like to dip bread and butter in warm chili?!?), a container with specialty Halloween popcorn and a treat, and a container full of carrots, radishes, pear and kiwi. I have stopped using a recipe for chili and lately have just tried to "wing" it - with great results. I will post under recipes what I did to make this particular one. Does anyone else have warm lunch idea's?
Great ideas! A few others would be a noce thick soup such as split pea soup or a pasta soup. Another is stew. My kids love stew! I came across a yummy recipe the other day which would make a tasty and filling accompaniment with a warm dish.. They are called Honey Cheddar Scones and you can find the recipe at http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/honey-cheddar-scones-rbk?click=recipe_sr
ReplyDeleteThat lunch looks very appealing! I don't generally send hot lunches - I never really thought of it, but they would probably think it was fun. I'd go with soup I think - a thicker, more stew-like one. I personally love chili, but no one else around here seems to!
ReplyDeleteThanks for inviting me to comment on your Blog. I have always sent hot lunches with my kids to school and have been doing this for many, many years.
ReplyDeleteOn Chili: I too make chili and in the vegetarian version I add Quinoa as the protein is pretty high.
On Soups with Pasta: Nelly's suggestion of soups with pasta is great and I send minestrone and other soups for lunch too. The one caution is that the pasta swells and loses its al dente consistency. I pack soups in the thermos and then in a small container add the pasta, the kids then add the pasta to the soup when its time to eat.
Super plan with the pasta idea Linda. I have had issues with that in the past and my kids are not fans of the soggy pasta (as they call it) That is definitely one I will use.
ReplyDeleteNelly - I want a good stew recipe (with beef).
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas everyone - I will be trying a few out on Munch!
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